Leader of the Pack

By: David Rosenfelt

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Over the course of his legal career, Andy Carpenter has lost a few cases. But that doesn't mean he forgets his clients. Andy has always been convinced that Joey Desimone, a man convicted of murder nine years ago, was innocent and believes that Joey's family's connections to organized crime played a pivotal role in his conviction. While there isn't much Andy can do for him while he serves out his prison sentence, Joey suggests that he check up on Joey's elderly uncle. He'd rather not, but as a favor to Joey, Andy agrees to take his dog, Tara, on a few visits.

The old man's memory is going, but when Andy tries to explain why he's there, it jogs something in the man's mind, and his comments leave Andy wondering if Uncle Nick is confused, or if he just might hold the key to Joey's freedom after all this time. Andy grabs on to this thread of possibility and follows it into a world where the oath of silence is stronger than blood ties, and where people will do anything to make sure their secrets are kept.

©2012 David Rosenfelt (P)2012 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Love the Smart A--- Lawyer

I like the whole series, and this is no different. Andy Carpenter, the reluctant, wise cracking, dog loving, defense attorney. Start with the first in the series.

Rosenfelt and Gardner do it again; smooth as butta

This is about the seventh book in the Andy Carpenter series, and by now we have come to know the loosely-formed family around Andy. Each case he takes on is interesting, and he always finds ways to tell us things about his dog, Tara, and his dog rescue foundation, The Tara Foundation, run by a guy he sprung from prison on a trumped-up charge. The current case takes Andy into mob territory, which is common for him, despite the fact that he paints himself as something of a schlemiel. What initially looks like two local murders turns into something extremely larger. The very end of the book is another twist of our expectations, which I have come to appreciate from Rosenfelt. Grover Gardner can simply do no wrong. No matter what the subject, he has one of the friendliest, most comfortable voices around, and it is always a pleasure to listen to him. These books are not great literature, and they are not meant to be: they are fun. Period. They may be a bit formulaic, but if you like the formula, as I do, then that just doesn't bother. I also like the quirk that Andy is wealthy and doesn't have to work, meaning that each case he takes on has to grab him in some way. If I won the lottery, as people say, this is what I would do with my life. Turning the books into mass-market successes is the icing on the cake.

Monday morning will be a killer

Any additional comments?

Andy is as simple as it gets. He admits his dislike for work and I find his sense of humor to be fantastic. We listen together (spouse and myself) and it just kills me when our schedules turn and I must wait to begin listening again. We hold on to each word and laugh out loud with Andy's antics. The crimes are being described more graphically and this might not thrill some listeners. What I like most about David Rosenfelt's books are the real human traits of Andy, Lori, Pete and Sam. They have funny things to say and they don't take everything too seriously. Some of the plot is stretched too strange to be real, but this is why it is called fiction. I think the best part to the Andy Carpenter series is the "feel good" approach to daily life. A body needs laughter as much as air, water, food and shelter.

A Slight Change in the Formula

Another winning combination with Andy and his crew, narrated by Grover Gardner. A slight twist to his usual formula (I wo't spoil it). So you will enjoy it even more!

These are great stories very entertaining

Another good book by Rosenfelt, I enjoyed it, just like the rest of the series.

Gotta Love a Guy who Loves Dogs!

The Andy Carpenter series is a delight. I just spent most of August listening to them in sequence and I could not be happier. The writing is both fun and well crafted. Andy's self deprecating voice is well portrayed by Grover Gardner, who also does a great job with the other characters. Rosenfelt has written a series with characters who seem real getting into interesting, dangerous situations, doing serious work while having fun all at once. The plots are woven neatly and credibly. I'm looking forward to the next one.

greatest of all Rosenfeld books

esp. enjoyrd talk of dog walks in addition to a really great murder mystety book.
i esp enjoyed it the 2nd time.

wasn't as good as the ones before it

not as good as the ones before can put my finger on what it was that just made me feel not into loved the others

my absolute favorite of all series

plots intertwined, international sites,all the familiar people highlighted with their unique contributions. perfect! fun

Did not see that coming!

This was a twist in that Andy handles the retrial of one of his clients who was found guilty and has been in jail for 6 years.
This one had me guessing all the way but I think it was because of all the different characters and possibilities. Ending was quite a surprise that I did not see coming!
As always great narrator.